Description
A creamy and flavorful Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta made with tender chicken breasts, bell peppers, and diced tomatoes simmered in a rich Parmesan cream sauce with a Cajun kick. This slow-cooker recipe is perfect for an effortless and comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated, ensuring every piece is well seasoned for optimal flavor.
- Assemble in Crock Pot: Transfer the seasoned chicken to the slow cooker, creating the base layer for your dish.
- Add Sauce and Vegetables: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then add the grated Parmesan cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced red and green bell peppers, and minced garlic.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir everything well to combine, making sure the seasonings and ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Add Pasta: About 15 minutes before the cooking time is complete, add the penne pasta to the slow cooker, stirring gently to submerge the pasta in the sauce for even cooking.
- Continue Cooking: Cover and cook on high for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed some of the flavorful sauce.
- Season and Serve: Taste the pasta and sauce, then adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed for a perfect balance.
- Garnish and Present: Serve the Cajun chicken pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
- Using fresh diced tomatoes will provide a brighter flavor, but canned tomatoes work well too.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Make sure to add the pasta near the end to avoid it becoming mushy during slow cooking.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
